Urinary incontinence (UI) is a condition characterized by unintentional urine flow. The problem is difficult to manage as it puts physical and mental pressure on the patient. Moreover, urine leakages come with issues like pain, itching, infections, burning sensation, as well as pressure injuries. As a management strategy, the use of urinary catheters is recommended. However, patients fear their employment due to a higher risk of urinary tract infections. Rather, they prefer external devices like PureWick catheters which do the job with minimum to no side effects.
Urinary incontinence lowers the quality of life of women
In this article, let us learn more about PureWick catheters in terms of their applications, usage duration, and much more. In addition, some of the best PureWick products have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.
What are Female External Catheters?
Female external catheters are the systems employed for managing urine leakages. These are essential for women who deal with urinary incontinence issues. External catheters are attached to the outer genitalia in women from where they start sucking the urine from the urinary bladder. This urine is then transferred to a holding canister which can then be emptied after every few hours.
What are PureWick Catheters?
PureWick catheters are a type of single-use, non-invasive, female external catheters. These keep the patient’s genitalia dry and prevent the occurrence of skin irritation or urinary tract infections (UTIs). These PureWick catheters are known for their good adherence to the skin as well as the level of comfort they provide.
Who Needs a PureWick Catheter?
PureWick catheters are ideal for women who are dealing with any of the following conditions:
- Urinary incontinence is the prime reason women need PureWick catheters. This is due to poor bladder control which is common with advancing age.
- Mobility issues that restrict the patient from reaching the bathroom in time also necessitate the use of PureWick catheters.
- Urinary retention problems can also be managed by using PureWick catheters as these can help pull the urine out of the urinary bladder which otherwise remains stuck inside.
- During the post-surgical period, women often need urinary assistance especially if mobility is not recommended for a few days. Here, the role of PureWick catheters is also undeniable.
Incontinence issues become more common with advancing age
How Does a PureWick Catheter Work?
PureWick catheters are easy-to-use systems that work in the following steps:
- The PureWick catheters come with a soft wick which is made up of absorbent material. The wick is attached to the external genitalia, typically to the labia and buttocks muscles, where it stays without falling accidentally until removed by the patient or the caregiver.
- The next step is to connect the wick to a urine collection system which mainly consists of a tubing and a urine collection canister.
- As soon as the assembly is switched on, it pulls the urine out of the bladder by applying a gentle suctioning pressure.
- Each wick is suitable for use for a period of 8 to 12 hours after which replacement is necessary.
- The tubing and the urine collection canister are reusable items that should be washed thoroughly on a regular basis.
Characteristics of PureWick Catheters
PureWick catheters are known for the following features they have:
Small and Discreet System
PureWick catheters are small in size, lighter in weight, and have a discreet design that renders them easy to carry. The urine collection system has a size of only 9” x 6.5” x 11” that is small enough to fit on the patient’s side table.
Ease of Usage
PureWick catheters are easy-to-use products that can be employed by the patient themselves. The users can feel a little overwhelmed when they start using external catheters but within a few days, the process gets easier. This way, the patient not only enjoys independence but also experiences high self-esteem.
Single-Use Items
Like most urinary catheters, PureWick catheters are also single-use products. When their use is done, these should be detached from the genitalia and disposed of immediately. A used urinary catheter holds a huge population of microbes which can cause a number of infections not only to the patient but also to the caregiver or healthcare provider. Therefore, the single-use nature is ideal as it eliminates the need to wash and sanitize the external catheter.
Non-Allergic Construction Material
All PureWick catheters are soft and flexible, a feature that allows comfort during mobility. In addition, these are free from latex which is often present in medical products and causes irritation or allergic reaction among people with sensitive skin type.
Non-Invasive Products
PureWick catheters are non-invasive as these are applied to the external genitalia. This feature gives them superiority over invasive catheters like indwelling ones because the latter are known for their higher associated risk of infections.
Moderate Wear Time
Each PureWick catheter can be worn for about 8 to 12 hours, the time duration recommended by the manufacturer. This is because, ideally, an external catheter should not be used for longer to avoid the risk of skin breakouts or UTIs. However, if the need arises, a PureWick catheter can be used for 24 hours. Keep in mind that to do so, consulting your healthcare provider is necessary.
Noise-Free Operation
The PureWick catheters, when in use, do not generate much noise. This is helpful as most patients using external catheters are either sick or hospitalized and need good-quality sleep. Due to their quiet operation, the patients can keep using the PureWick catheters while enjoying an undisturbed resting period.
Low-Pressure Suctioning
When the PureWick catheters are employed on the female external genitalia, these work by sucking the urine out of the urinary bladder. To perform this sucking action, the device applies a low pressure of around 120 mm Hg to 140 mm Hg which helps pull the urine out. This low pressure does the job but keeps the patient comfortable. Moreover, no skin issues or pressure injuries are likely to occur.
Rechargeable Device
The PureWick urine collection system is a rechargeable device that comes with built-in batteries. Once plugged in, the system takes around 12 hours to get fully charged. However, even during this charging period, PureWick catheters can be used.
Un-Restricted Mobility
The PureWick catheters come with a 12-foot-long electrical cord. This way, the patient can keep the urine-holding canister in one place and keep moving around during their day-to-day activities.
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Female external catheters improve the quality of life
PureWick Catheters at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Female external catheters have become a necessity for people suffering from urinary incontinence. These are non-invasive devices applied to the external genitalia where they remain until removed. The idea is to suck the urine out of the urinary bladder and drain it into a urine collection canister.
While learning about PureWick catheters, it is also important to become familiar with some of the best products available in the US market. Some of these PureWick catheters are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
Bard 1183571 Female External Catheter PureWick™ 10 L X1.5 W Inch
Bard 1183571 Female External Catheter PureWick™ 10 L X1.5 W Inch
US$920.88
Product Details
Bard 1183571 PureWick™ female external catheters are external-use systems employed for the management of urinary incontinence. These are a suitable size for female patients as they are 10 inches in length with a width of 1.5 inches. The usage period for these Bard 1183571 PureWick™ female external catheters is 8 to 12 hours which should not be exceeded without consulting a healthcare provider.
Moreover, these Bard 1183571 PureWick™ female external catheters are suitable for single use only and, therefore, there is no need to clean and sanitize them. In addition, these are also non-sterile systems.
Bard # 1118073 Female External Catheter for Vacuum Suction PureWick™ Latex One Size Fits Most
US$650.88
Product Details
Bard # 1118073 PureWick™ female external catheters are devices employed for managing urine leakages during incontinence issues. These are designed in a way that they can be used by women of all ages. This is because these are constructed on the principle of ‘One Size Fits Most’.
Moreover, these Bard # 1118073 PureWick™ female external catheters work on the phenomenon of vacuum suctioning. This involves the application of low pressure on the urinary bladder resulting in the sucking of urine out. This collected urine is then drained into a holding canister via an attached tubing.
Furthermore, these Bard # 1118073 PureWick™ female external catheters are suitable for single-use only and should be discarded as soon as their employment is done. As for their usage duration, the product can be used for 8 to 12 hours. In addition, the product is also soft and flexible. Its latex-free nature eliminates the risk of allergies and skin irritation. This feature makes the product suitable for people with sensitive skin types as well.
Bard # 1158749 Female External Catheter PUREWICK® 10 L X1.5 W Inch
Bard # 1158749 Female External Catheter PUREWICK® 10 L X1.5 W Inch
US$630.88
Product Details
Bard # 1158749 PUREWICK® female external catheters are single-use, non-invasive items that are employed for managing urinary incontinence. These have a length of 10 inches with a 1.5 inches width. The product is known for its soft and flexible construction that keeps the user comfortable.
Moreover, these Bard # 1158749 PUREWICK® female external catheters are also non-irritant in nature due to the absence of latex in them. That’s why, these catheters can be used by women who have a sensitive skin type.
The recommended usage duration for these Bard # 1158749 PUREWICK® female external catheters is between 8 to 12 hours which should not be exceeded without consulting a healthcare expert. Furthermore, to reduce the risk of infections, these Bard # 1158749 PUREWICK® female external catheters should not be used if the packaging is broken.
Bard # 1180668 Female Catheter for Vacuum Suction Kit PureWick™ One Size Fit Most
Bard # 1180668 Female Catheter for Vacuum Suction Kit PureWick™ One Size Fit Most
US$1,100.88
Product Details
Bard # 1180668 PureWick™ female catheters are products suitable for women of all age groups. These can be employed for a duration of 8 to 12 hours and come in a standard size that fits most women. The product is single-use and non-sterile.
In addition, these Bard # 1180668 PureWick™ female catheters work by applying a low-pressure suctioning that draws the urine out of the urinary bladder. The device is not reusable but the tubing and holding canister can be washed and employed again and again.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary depending on the vendor.
purewick female external catheters all ages
The PureWick catheters mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of PureWick catheters.
Conclusion
Urinary incontinence is a problem often experienced by women of all ages due to a set of reasons. Some go through unintentional urine flow after childbirth while others suffer from the condition at a later stage during old age. The condition restricts the patients during their day-to-day activities and, therefore, necessitates proper management.
PureWick catheters are employed to collect the urine leakages due to incontinence. These are non-invasive systems that are suitable for external use only. Their ease of usage and comfort during employment keep the user relaxed. Moreover, these PureWick catheters also reduce the risk of urinary tract infections or skin breakouts which is a common issue while using indwelling catheters.
Considering the importance of PureWick catheters, these should be purchased and kept in storage for future use. For purchasing different PureWick catheters, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
